Volunteers wanted for the POPPY study!
Published: 22 February 2024
POPPY - The Preconception to pOst-partum study of cardiometabolic health in Primigravid PregnancY Study. Details on the study and how to take part.
The Preconception to pOst-partum study of cardiometabolic health in Primigravid PregnancY Study (POPPY) aims to understand more about the risks of developing heart disease and diabetes in women who experienced placental complications such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and kidney problems), high blood pressure during pregnancy and fetal growth restriction (baby being small). They hope that by understanding these risks we will be able to improve women’s health over their lifetime.
The POPPY study is lead by the University of Cambridge with University of Glasgow, Imperial College London, King’s College London, St George’s University London, University College London, The University of Manchester and the University of Bristol. Our very own Professor Christian Delles and Dr Helen Casey are leading the Glasgow team based in the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
Why is it important?
Women who experience placental complications (syndromes) during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure and kidney problems), gestational hypertension (high blood pressure during pregnancy) and fetal growth restriction (baby being small) have twice the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes later in life, compared with women who have a healthy pregnancy. So, understanding the links between placental syndromes and a woman’s future heart health is vitally important.
By assessing risk factors for heart disease and diabetes in women before and during their pregnancy and after delivery of their baby, the POPPY study will allow us to understand, if, and how, placental syndromes increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, and, therefore, how best to reduce this risk and potentially prevent placental syndromes in the future.
What is involved?
If you join the Pregnancy arm, the study will involve a minimum of 1 visit (the pre-pregnancy visit) and a maximum of 7 visits (including visits while you are pregnant and after the birth of your baby). The exact number of visits will depend on several factors, including whether you become pregnant and whether we need to see you for a follow-up visit after your pregnancy. Those who are eligible for this arm of the study will receive free ovulation and pregnancy tests.
For those taking part in the non-pregnancy arm of the study you will attend two study visits, approximately 18 months apart, to coincide with the visits that pregnancy arm participants will attend before and after pregnancy.
How to take part?
POPPY are looking for 3500 participants from hospitals across the UK. 3000 participants who are intending to become pregnant within 12 -18 months and 500 who are not intending to become pregnant.
Head to the POPPY website for more details on the study and details on how to register to take part.
First published: 22 February 2024
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